For parents, who have been affected by this week’s dangerously cold Artic blast, today marks the third day in a row that your kids have been cooped up indoors. By now your sanity may be as compromised as your video library.
If so, you might consider the following simple craft ideas. They may not be as liberating as a sunny 80 degree day, but they will keep your kids busy for a few hours and perhaps preserve the last remaining hairs on your head.
EDIBLE PLAY-DOH
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 cups warm water
1 cup salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cream of tartar
Food coloring
Directions:
Mix all of the ingredients together (except for the food coloring), and stir over low heat. Allow dough to thicken until it looks like mashed potatoes. When the dough pulls away from the sides of the pot and clumps in the center, remove the pan from heat and allow the dough to cool enough to handle. If the dough feels too sticky, just cook it a little longer.
Place dough onto a clean counter or silicone mat, and knead vigorously until it becomes silky-smooth.
Divide the dough into balls for coloring. Add food coloring. Work the dye through, adding more as necessary to achieve your desired color.
The dough is now ready to play with and is completely edible.
CRAYON CUPCAKES
Materials:
Broken crayons with wrappers removed
Muffin Tin or silicone ice cube tray
Paper muffin cups
Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Place broken crayon pieces into separate muffin cups in your muffin tin. Fill about 3/4 full.
Place muffin tin in oven. Check on crayons every five minutes. Remove once completely melted. Let cool.
Once “cupcakes” are cool, pop the molds out and begin to color.
HOMEMADE PLAY-DOH
Ingredients:
3 cups flour
1/3 cup salt
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup water
7 drops food coloring
Directions:
Mix dry ingredients with oil. Add food coloring to water and mix together. Add water to flour/salt/oil mixture slowly (about 1/4 cup at a time). Mix together with a spoon. Once you’ve added all the water, knead the dough with your hands and you are ready to mold.
Related Articles:
Sweet Treats to Make on a Snow Day
Simple Winter Boredom Busters for Kids
Winter Crafts for Kids: Cards and Ornaments